Name: Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 8 ounces dry noodles, prepared according to package instructions; 4 Tablespoons avocado oil or vegetable oil, divided; 3 cups vegetables, sliced (such as cabbage, broccoli, bell pepper, carrot, green beans, zucchini, mushrooms); 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1 shallot, chopped finely; 7-8 cloves garlic, minced finely; 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger; 1 teaspoon chili paste; 1 Tablespoon Korean chili flakes; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds; 2 Tablespoons brown sugar; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar; Sliced green onions, for garnish

There’s nothing quite like the punchy, mouthwatering zing of a Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe that wakes up your taste buds and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. This dish packs bold flavors in a simple, quick meal you can whip up any day of the week.

A large white speckled bowl filled with cooked noodles mixed with a dark reddish-brown sauce, giving the noodles a shiny, slightly oily look. The noodles are topped with thinly sliced green onions bright green in color, thin red chili slices, and sprinkled white sesame seeds, with some small red chili flakes scattered on top. Two wooden chopsticks rest on the side of the bowl, partly inside the noodles. The bowl is on a white marbled surface with a blue striped cloth near it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe is a game changer in my kitchen—fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. It’s the kind of meal I come back to when I want a satisfying dish without fuss or tons of ingredients.

Bold, balanced flavor: The combination of chili paste, garlic, and ginger creates a deliciously spicy and aromatic sauce that hits all the right notes.
Versatile ingredients: You can use whatever noodles or veggies you have on hand, making it a perfect pantry-to-plate meal.
Quick and easy: From prep to plate in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Customizable heat level: Adjust the chili flakes and paste to suit your spice tolerance, so everyone ends up happy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe plays its part perfectly, creating layers of flavor that are both comforting and exciting. When shopping, look for fresh garlic and ginger and quality chili flakes—they really make the difference.

Flat lay of cooked chow mein noodles, a small pile of sliced colorful fresh vegetables including bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, green beans, zucchini, and mushrooms, a small white bowl of golden avocado oil, a small white bowl of dark toasted sesame oil, a whole shallot finely chopped, seven whole uncracked garlic bulbs, a few slices of fresh ginger root, a small white bowl of bright red chili paste, a small heap of vibrant red Korean chili flakes, a small white bowl of tiny pale sesame seeds, a small white bowl of light brown granulated brown sugar, a small white bowl filled with glossy dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of clear rice vinegar, fresh sliced green onions arranged neatly, all ingredients fresh and natural with no packaging, arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions on simple white ceramic bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Noodles: Rice noodles, chow mein, or ramen all soak up the sauce beautifully, giving you flexibility based on what you love or have on hand.
Avocado or vegetable oil: Provides a neutral base for sautéing and lets the aromatics shine without overpowering.
Vegetables: Using a variety like broccoli, bell peppers, and mushrooms adds crunch and color, and you can customize to your family’s tastes.
Toasted sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty aroma that elevates the whole dish.
Shallot: Gives a subtle sweetness and depth without being too sharp.
Garlic and fresh ginger: These are the heartbeats of the dish—aromatic, zesty, and bold flavor boosters.
Chili paste and Korean chili flakes: Deliver that satisfying heat and complexity; I especially love Gochugaru for its smoky, vibrant punch.
Sesame seeds: Add texture and a mild nutty finish.
Brown sugar: Balances the spice and acidity with a touch of sweetness.
Soy sauce and rice vinegar: Combine for the salty, tangy backbone of the sauce.
Green onions: Finish with a fresh, crisp bite that's perfect as a garnish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe is how you can tweak it to suit your mood or whatever’s in the fridge. It’s really a blank canvas for flavor twists!

Vegetarian or vegan: Stick to veggies and swap soy sauce for tamari if you want gluten-free; it’s just as tasty.
Add protein: Toss in tofu, shrimp, or shredded chicken if you want to bulk it up.
Go milder: If you’re not into much spice, just reduce the chili paste and flakes, or omit entirely for a garlicky twist.
Make it saucier: Double the sauce ingredients for noodles that soak up every drop—you’ll thank me.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a bowl filled with long noodles coated in a reddish-orange spicy sauce, giving them a shiny, slightly oily texture. The noodles are piled high and lifted with wooden chopsticks, creating a raised, twisted mass above the bowl. Around the noodles, thin green vegetable strips and small pieces of red chili add color contrast. The bowl is white, smooth, and rests on a white marbled surface. The background is dark, making the dish stand out sharply. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté Veggies to Perfect Tenderness

Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium heat and toss in your sliced veggies. I usually go for a colorful mix—broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots are my go-to. Cook them for about 5 minutes, or until they’re just tender but still have a little crunch. Resist the urge to overcook here; those bright colors and textures make the dish sing! Set the veggies aside while you move on.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

Add the remaining oil and toasted sesame oil to the pan. Toss in the finely chopped shallot and sauté for 3-4 minutes; this adds a lovely gentle sweetness that balances the heat. Then, lower the heat and add your garlic and freshly grated ginger. Stir these fragrant aromatics for 2 minutes until everything smells amazing—this is where the magic starts.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Mix in the chili paste, Korean chili flakes, sesame seeds, and brown sugar. Stir well so the sugar melts and fuses with the heat and nuttiness. Don’t be shy here; if you love spicy, this is your moment to shine. Let it come together before pouring in the soy sauce and rice vinegar to bring a salty, tangy kick. Bring the sauce to a boil and cook it for about one minute to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Toss Noodles & Veggies Together

Add your cooked noodles and reserved veggies back into the skillet. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so every strand of noodle and piece of veg gets coated in that gorgeous sauce. Finish with a generous handful of sliced green onions and you’re ready to serve.

Top Tip

From my experience with making this Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe time and again, these tips can really boost your success and flavor:

Salt Your Noodle Water: Salting pasta water (unless you’re using ramen) keeps your noodles from sticking and helps flavor them from the inside out.
Prep First: I always get my veggies chopped and sauce ingredients measured out beforehand—makes cooking way less stressful and prevents anything from burning.
Watch Your Veggies: Keep an eye so they stay crisp-tender, never mushy, which gives your dish a fresh pop and texture.
Adjust the Heat Gradually: Start with less chili paste and flakes if you’re unsure, then add more after tasting. Everyone’s spice tolerance is different!

How to Serve Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe

Chili Garlic Noodles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I stick with sliced green onions because they add that perfect fresh crunch and a mild bite that balances the spice. Sometimes, I sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds on top for a little flair and nuttiness—I love that extra texture!

Side Dishes

Pair the noodles with steamed dumplings or a simple cucumber salad tossed with rice vinegar and sesame oil for a cooling contrast. For a heartier meal, a side of stir-fried greens dressed lightly with garlic complements the chili garlic noodles wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving this dish in individual shallow bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts—it looks gorgeous and feels indulgent. Wrapping the noodles in lettuce cups also makes for a fun, interactive presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles absorb the sauce as they sit, which thickens things nicely but tends to dry out the veggies a fraction, so I recommend reheating gently with a splash of water or broth.

Freezing

Since the veggies can get a little soft after freezing, I prefer to prep the noodles, sauce, and veggies separately if I plan to freeze. That way, I can combine and reheat with better texture retention. Still, it’s doable—just thaw and reheat over low heat with some oil.

Reheating

Reheat the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Toss gently until warmed through. Microwaving works too but watch for drying out. Fresh green onions on top after reheating bring back the vibrant flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of noodles for this Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is flexible with noodles—you can use rice noodles, chow mein, lo mein, ramen, or even spaghetti if you need to improvise. Just cook according to the package instructions and toss in the sauce at the end.

How spicy is this Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe?

It has a moderate spice level thanks to the chili paste and Korean chili flakes. However, you can adjust heat by adding less chili or skipping the flakes if you prefer it mild. This recipe is very forgiving when it comes to customizing spice.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! The recipe is naturally vegan if you use soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) and skip any animal-based toppings. Just choose your favorite veggies and noodles, and you’re good to go.

What’s the best way to store leftover Chili Garlic Noodles?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles from drying out. Avoid freezing if possible, or freeze components separately for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Chili Garlic Noodles Recipe has been a reliable favorite for me during busy nights, casual lunches, and even last-minute dinner parties. Its balance of spicy, sweet, and savory with fresh aromatics always impresses without stress. I know you’ll enjoy the ease and flavor that make this noodle dish a staple you'll turn to again and again.